One of our seminary students is writing a paper for her Women in Religion class and wants to interview us by email as follows. Please answer and take part!
1. What is your definition of feminism?
2. What is your definition of patriarchy?
3. What do you think of the stereotype “women are from Venus, men are from Mars?†Put another way, do you think it’s true that women are more emotional and men are more logical? Do you think that men and women are compatible?
4. What do you think America would be like if the main religion was centered on a goddess?
5. Do you think that religion in America has positive role models and messages for women?
6. Do you think that modern America is a healthy environment for women? What about men?
For me feminism represents balance of the male and female energies. My belief is that both are needed in this physical journey and if either is out of alignment then things on earth go awry.
I would say it is the same as feminism. Without the balance of the male and female or patriarchy matriarchy our growth becomes unbalanced and stunted.
I believe their are some differences between how men and women process data, but there are always exceptions to the rules so broad generalities can really get you in trouble. Having been happily married for 40 years, yes I believe men and women are compatible. I do believe that in every relationship respect not only for the similarities but differences in ideas, processing, and talents must be there for it to work.
I believe that anytime you have only one model ie. god or goddess you get into trouble. Think about how men have misused patriarchy. I’ve also thought about the possibility that in really ancient history maybe women misused the goddess and that’s why the pendulum swung so far to the god model.
I believe some religions have positive models for women in America, but not all. We still have a model of women being less than in this country.
I don’t believe modern America is necessarily healthy for men or women in America when it comes to the spiritual component. We don’t have the time needed in everyday life to nurture that aspect.